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All 78 from Springfield Renaissance School Class of 2011 headed to college

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Graduate Shannon Monaghan painted a phoenix for commencement program cover, a fitting symbol for a city rising from the destruction left by a tornado.

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SPRINGFIELD – On the cover of the commencement program of the Springfield Renaissance School was an exotic, fiery bird, a phoenix rising from the ashes.

It was a fitting symbol, though 18-year-old Renaissance student Shannon Monaghan, of Springfield, never knew it when she painted the cover three weeks ago.

Monaghan was one of more than a dozen students at the school whose lives were affected by the tornado of June 1.

The twister shattered glass and tore up trees while she and her mother and sister waited in the basement of their home in East Forest Park.

Yet the following Monday evening Shannon Monaghan was at Symphony Hall in her white graduation robe, her mother beside her, waiting for the graduation ceremony to begin.

“The resolve of the young men and women of Springfield has been outstanding,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno when he addressed the Renaissance School graduates and their families.

“Sometimes life throws you curveballs. This is a valuable lesson to you. With adversity, strength builds, perseverance builds, fortitude builds,” said Sarno.

Monaghan was one of 78 seniors who graduated from the Springfield Renaissance School on Monday.

She was a member of the second class to graduate from the school.

“So far we’re two for two,” said Stephen Mahoney, principal of Renaissance, referring to the fact for both years, 100 percent of the graduating class went on to college.

Valedictorian of the class was Kristen DeAngelo, who will attend Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Her main interest is psychology.

Salutatorian Monasia Caesar was also chosen by her classmates to speak at the ceremony. She and Janelle Clark were the two chosen for the honor from the top 10 achievers in the class.

Besides Sarno, guest speakers were Springfield schools superintendent Alan J. Ingram and School Committee member Peter Murphy.

For faculty speaker, the students selected social studies teacher Mark Loevy-Reyes. “He’s an attorney who is becoming a teacher,” said Mahoney, “and he’s awesome. He’s smart and he connects really well with the kids.”

What’s unusual about Renaissance commencements is that each of the students gets walked down the aisle by a family member, the way a bride is walked down the aisle in a wedding.

“This is our second graduating class,” said Mahoney, “and in many respects they had a tougher job than the first graduating class. They had to avoid ‘sophomore slump.’ It’s hard being the second kid, the second class. But our seniors matched that achievement.”


Monson tornado debris collection and removal set to begin

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The town asks residents to place only vegetative debris at the curb in the public right-of-way.

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MONSON – The Board of Selectmen has contracted with Ash Britt Environmental to begin debris collection and removal from the tornado that devastated the town, beginning today (Tuesday).

Residents are asked to separate disaster debris and place only vegetative debris in piles at the curb in the public right-of-way, and not on private property nor in the street.

Regular trash pickup has resumed.

For propane tank disposal, call the Monson Fire Department at (413) 267-3132.

Monson Debris Management June 6, 2011

Northampton High School Class of 2011 goes far in 4 years

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A healthy 87 percent of the graduates are going on to college, according to the guidance department.

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NORTHAMPTON - What a difference four years makes. As she prepared her remarks for Sunday’s graduation ceremonies, Northampton High School senior Johanna M. Fleming remembered when school administrators called the Class of 2011 into the auditorium during their freshman year.

“They said they were disappointed in our achievement and that we were not living up to our potential,” said Fleming, who was co-president of the class along with senior Emily King.

The group of students quickly put that reputation behind them. With their diplomas in hand Sunday, many of them will be off to top colleges. Having overcome low expectations, they had one last obstacle in their way: A tornado on prom night that forced some of them to walk to the Log Cabin Restaurant.

“I was really upset,” Fleming said. “It ruined our prom, kind of.”

Wyckoff County Club in Holyoke came to the rescue, however, offering to serve up a post-graduation ice cream bar to the students. Fleming expects it to be a peaceful and pleasant anti-climax to an eventful four years.

A slightly bigger class than usual graduated from Northampton High School Sunday. The 235 graduating seniors number about 25 more than usual, according to Principal Nancy Athas. The graduates not only worked their way into a wealth of good colleges, they also made their mark on society.

“This is a class that was dedicated to academics and to the community,” Athas said. “They strived to do their best and gave back when needed and when asked. It’s a nice bunch of graduating seniors.”

A healthy 87 percent of the graduates are going on to college, according to the guidance department.

The overwhelming majority are also hometown kids, with just one percent School Choice students. In keeping with custom, the Class of 2011 does not have a valedictorian or salutatorian, but Fleming, King and several other seniors were scheduled to speak.

Mohawk Trail Regional High School Class of 2011 told to fuel lives with GAS

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Attorney Wendy Sibbison told the 73 graduating seniors they could fuel an extra happy day with gratitude, amends and self-compassion.

060511_mohawk_trail_graduation.JPGMohawk Regional High School held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2011 on Sunday in Buckland. Here are (left to right) Laura Mitchell of Shelburne, Luke Pantermehl of Ashfield and Samantha Knox of Plainfield.

SHELBURNE FALLS - Attorney Wendy Sibbison told the 73 graduating seniors at Mohawk Trail Regional High School Sunday how they could fuel an extra happy day: GAS.

Not the petroleum kind - or any natural kind - but the gratitude, amends, self-compassion kind.

First, express gratitude, she said, encouraging them to find someone in the gathering - besides their parents whom they should already be thanking - to whom they feel a great deal of gratitude, and then tell that person or persons.

Second, she told them to make amends by finding someone in the gathering they have disappointed, hurt or caused to suffer in any way and begin to make amends.

Lastly, the graduation speaker encouraged the graduates to have self-compassion. She asked them to find five minutes to reflect on their high school experience and select one thing they learned about themselves that is positive and to write that down. “It will be an important tool the rest of their lives,” she said.

Sibbison, an appellate lawyer with a statewide practice based in Greenfield, said if the graduates find “GAS” useful, it can fuel their happiness for the rest of their lives.

The valedictorian of the Class of 2011 was Aurora D. Rougeau, of Florida, and the salutatorian was Alanna MacLeod-Bluver, of Shelburne.

Seventy-seven percent of the class is headed to college.

Lynn R. Dole, principal, commented that “as with so many classes, this class is a class of distinguished individuals who have studied together and laughed together, a group that will no doubt pursue diverse lives after graduation.”

96 awarded diplomas as Greenfield High School Class of 2011 graduates

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Among the graduates were Michelle Jackson, valedictorian, and Samantha Zdanowicz, salutatorian.

2011 greenfield graduation.JPGGreenfield High School held graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2011 at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield on Sunday. Here are (left to right) Class of 2011 Salutatorian Sam Zdanowicz, Class of 2011 Valedictorian Michelle Jackson and President of the Class of 2011 Sarah Cook.

GREENFIELD - Ninety-six Greenfield High School seniors became alumni Sunday at an outdoor graduation ceremony at Greenfield Community College.

Among the graduates were Michelle R. Jackson, valedictorian, and Samantha M. Zdanowicz, salutatorian.

Jackson, 18, encouraged her classmates always to be themselves. “I’ve tried to do that in high school, and it has gotten me this far,” she said.

Tolerance and acceptance of others are important, but it’s also important to accept one’s self: “You have better self-understanding and people will react to you better,” she said. “If you’re more confident in your own abilities, you will be more accomplished in your life.”

Being passionate about food safety and eating local foods, Jackson plans to attend Smith College in Northampton to study environmental science.

According to Greenfield High School Principal Donna M. Woodcock, the school’s Class of 2011 is comprised of young people who get along well, embracing one another’s differences and supporting one another’s activities like sports, music and community service.

Woodcock said she has been impressed by the class members’ desire to do well academically; many “stretched themselves,” she said, to take Advance Placement courses in preparation for college.

Seventy-two percent of the graduates are going to college.

The principal encourages the graduates to work hard to accomplish their goals. “Goals are only accomplished through action,” she said. “It’s important to take action to meet goals and take care of yourself, the community and the environment.”

Jackson described her classmates as “a good group,” saying, “We’ll miss each other.”

Brimfield horse injured in tornado expected to recover

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Cajun, a 9-year-old gelding, was impaled by airborne wooden debris from last week's tornado in Brimfield. Doctors at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University surgically removed the wood, and the horse is expected to recover.

WALES ROAD TORN.JPGThe tornado ripped the tops off trees along Wales Road (Route 19) in Brimfield, leveling homes along the way -- including a farm on nearby Paige Hill Road, where one horse was killed and other animals were injured.

BRIMFIELD -- It took less than a minute for last week's tornado to wipe out Hill Side Farm on Paige Hill Road in Brimfield, killing one horse and seriously injuring another.

The surviving horse -- a 9-year-old gelding named Cajun -- was impaled by wood debris from the storm and underwent emergency surgery at Tufts University’s Hospital for Large Animals in North Grafton, where doctors successfully removed the debris.

Although a risk of infection persists, doctors at the hospital said they are optimistic about Cajun's recovery.

Cajun is owned by Joann Kass and Steven Bush. Kass runs Hill Side Farm, located at 51 Paige Hill Road, just east of Wales Road (Route 19) in Brimfield. She could not immediately be reached for comment.

Cajun was one of four horses affected by the tornado, which leveled Kass' home and destroyed her barn. In addition to Cajun and the horse that died, two other horses were treated for cuts and abrasions by Spencer veterinarian Paula Orcutt.

Officials at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, which oversees the Large Animal Hospital in North Grafton, said Cajun was impaled by a finger-sized piece of wood that penetrated his right rear coffin joint -- the intersection of the lowest bones in the horse's leg -- and tendon sheath.

On Thursday, dozens of volunteers helped Kass, Bush, Orcutt and Kass's sister, Karen Walker of New Braintree, clear the farm's driveway of fallen trees so the Animal Rescue League of Boston could remove Cajun from his demolished stable and take him to North Grafton for treatment.

The nearly two-hour procedure went well, according to Carl A. Kirker-Head, associate professor of clinical sciences at Cummings and the surgeon who operated on Cajun. Kirker-Head said there is always a serious risk of infection when the coffin joint and tendon sheath are involved.

Doctors at the animal hospital said they are optimistic Cajun, an American Paint Horse, will make a full recovery. Paint Horses are known for their dark-and-light spotted coats.

Orcutt waived her fee for on-site care, and drug distributor JA Webster has committed to reimbursing her and Brimfield veterinarian Kevin Sherman for drugs used to care for Cajun.

Meanwhile, Walker is trying to help out her sister by raising money for Cajun's care. Donations may be made to Joann Kass and Steven Bush, care of Walker at 351 Bernard Whitney Road, New Braintree, MA 01531. Those wishing to help may also call the animal hospital directly at (508) 839-7926.

The horse that was killed in the tornado was struck in the head by a 4,000-pound trailer that became airborne in the storm, according to a friend of the Kass family.


THE MAP BELOW shows the approximate location where last week's tornado killed a horse and seriously injured another at a farm on Paige Hill Road in Brimfield:


View Larger Map

Serious I-91 motorcycle crash sends man to hospital with critical injuries

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A motorcycleist remained in critical condition early Tuesday morning at Baystate Medical Center after a serious crash on Interstate 91 northbound shortly before 8 p.m. Monday, according to Massachusetts State Police.

SPRINGFIELD -- A motorcycle rider remained in critical condition early Tuesday morning at Baystate Medical Center after a serious crash on Interstate 91 northbound shortly before 8 p.m. Monday, according to Massachusetts State Police.

A state police trooper stationed at the Springfield barracks said the man, whom police have yet to publicly identify, is currently in the hospital's intensive care unit. A state police media spokesman in Framingham did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The man crashed his bike around 7:50 p.m. Monday near Exit 10 in the city's North End. That prompted the closure of all but one of I-91's northbound lanes in the vicinity of the crash to allow a state police accident-reconstruction unit to investigate.

All lanes were reopened by 11:30 p.m., state police said.

The motorcycle continued for about 300 yards after the man fell from the bike, according to one report.

More information will be posted on MassLive.com as it becomes available.

Holyoke police wrangle 'big snake' found in empty lot

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Boa constrictors typically are found in warm, tropical climates -- not in Holyoke.

HOLYOKE -- City police wrangled a "large snake" from a lot at 100 Beech St. on Monday afternoon, according to Holyoke Police Lt. Michael Higgins.

"Someone called to say there's a big snake in the lot. It was a boa constrictor," Higgins said Tuesday.

And it was a good-sized snake, according to the lieutenant, who didn't have the boa's precise measurements handy.

Police received the report shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday, when responding officers instantly noticed the large reptile.

"It was in an open lot there," Higgins said of the Beech Street location.

Police did not speculate how the animal got there, but it was taken away by the city's animal control officer.

Boa constrictors typically are found in warm, tropical climates throughout the Caribbean and sections of Central, North and South America -- not in Holyoke.

The carnivores enjoy dining on rats and just about any other animal it can get its jaws around -- including monkeys and pigs, according to NationalGeographic.com.

Boas can grow to up to 13 feet and weigh 100 pounds.

Higgins said he was not sure what will become of the animal, adding that it could wind up in a local pet shop if no claims the snake.


THE MAP BELOW shows the approximate location of 100 Beech St., Holyoke, where police found a large boa constrictor Monday afternoon:


View Larger Map


Spanish-speaking churches in Springfield unite to help tornado victims

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La Hora Zero is a Spanish-language radio station and church at 155 Chestnut St.

tornado0.JPGLocal church members prepare food for victims of the June 1 tornadoes.

SPRINGFIELD – The same night the tornadoes struck on June 1 members of local Spanish-speaking churches in Springfield took to the streets to hand out hot meals and words of encouragement.

La Hora Zero, a Spanish language radio station and church at 155 Chestnut St., has joined with churches throughout the city to help people in need by providing hot meals, Spanish coffee and water.

“The need is immense. There are so many people who are hungry and who need assistance,” said Evelyn Edwards, who along with her husband the Rev. Julio Edwards, have been coordinating the effort.

“We have been out to West Springfield, to the hotel in Ludlow where Monson residents are staying, to the worst streets in Springfield,” she said.

Robert Martinez, of Springfield, heard about the effort and volunteered to be a driver.

“We know there are a lot of official organizations like the Red Cross that are helping people, but a lot of those services people have to go out and get. We are going right into the neighborhoods where everything happened and bringing food and water to people,” he said.

It’s the simple things like handing out chilled water from coolers or making Cafe Bustelo, a popular espresso drink for Latinos, that victims appreciate, Edwards said.

“People want to get a little bit of comfort and something familiar to them,” Edwards said.

Idalia Carmona, of Springfield, said they have been preparing the food with love and care, especially for children. “We are bringing the typical kid things like sandwiches and Jello pudding, and it just makes them so happy,” she said.

Maria Fontanez, a minister at Iglesia Pentecostal de Cristo in Springfield, said the churches are also reaching out to undocumented residents who might be afraid to get assistance elsewhere.

“We are not here to judge them or question them about anything. If they need help they can come here and we will keep everything confidential. We just want to make sure everyone is getting the help they need,” she said.

Evelyn and Abel Flores are ministers at La Primera Iglesia de Dios Inc. in Springfield. They said the tornado has brought the church community together.

“We worked together before, but now we are really getting closer. Right now we don’t care about religion, race or any of that, we just want people to get food and help,” he said.

The church is receiving food and clothing donations from church members and others in the Latino community including local restaurants.

Julio Edwards said they will continue to collect and hand out donations until everyone’s needs are met.

“We will continue this effort until people have new places to live and clothes and food,” he said. “We will also continue to keep the food pantry open for anyone who needs to come get food.”

Economic stress at 2-year low, according to AP analysis

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The nation's economic stress fell to a two-year low in April, thanks to the strongest private-sector hiring in five years and a dip in bankruptcy filings, according to The Associated Press' monthly analysis.

MARTIN CRUTSINGER & MIKE SCHNEIDER, The Associated Press

The nation's economic stress fell to a two-year low in April, thanks to the strongest private-sector hiring in five years and a dip in bankruptcy filings, according to The Associated Press' monthly analysis.

The improved picture for jobs and bankruptcy filings offset a slight rise in foreclosures.

The easing of stress was felt most in Midwestern and mid-Atlantic states. But conditions brightened throughout the country: More than 90 percent of the nation's 3,141 counties were better off in April than in March.

Counties with heavy concentrations of workers in farming, retail and tourism benefited in particular. By contrast, counties with many workers in education and mining suffered the sharpest increases in stress.

The AP's Stress index calculates a score from 1 to 100 based on unemployment, foreclosure and bankruptcy rates. A higher score signifies more economic stress. Under a rough rule of thumb, a county is considered stressed when its score exceeds 11. By that standard, about a quarter of the counties were stressed in April, down from about a third in March.

The average county's Stress score was 9.8, the lowest since April 2009's score of 9.7. It was 10.5 in March and 11 in February. A year earlier, it was 10.5.

Nevada had the highest level of stress in April with a score of 19.36. Next were California (15.57), Florida (14.17), Arizona (13.78) and Georgia (13.38).

As it's been since the recession began in 2007, North Dakota was the least-stressed state, with a score of 3.88. It was followed by Nebraska (5.27), South Dakota (5.58), New Hampshire (6.38) and Vermont (6.39).

The nation's stress may have headed back up in May. A range of economic data showed the economy slowing last month, in part because of high gas prices. Consumers who have had to pay more for gas have had less money to spend on other goods and services — from furniture and appliances to restaurants and vacations.

On Friday, the government said the economy added a scant 54,000 jobs in May, the poorest showing in eight months. And the unemployment rate edged up from 9 percent to 9.1 percent. The question is whether the weakness will be a temporary setback, as was a similar economic slowdown last year, or something more chronic.

"We won't know for a few months," said Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. "A lot will depend on whether gasoline prices moderate."

Guatieri has downgraded his forecast for growth for 2011 to a modest 2.5 percent. That's weaker than last year's 2.9 percent increase, and it's below the 3.2 percent Guatieri was forecasting before gasoline surged to near $4 a gallon.

"It took a big bite out of people's pocket books and their psyche," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. "I think we will get back on track as the summer and fall progress, but that assumes that gasoline prices don't head higher."

Since peaking at $3.98 a gallon on May 6, gasoline has fallen by about 20 cents to a nationwide average of $3.77 a gallon, according to AAA's daily fuel gauge.

Over the past 12 months, stress has eased the most in two states that were among the hardest-hit during the recession: Michigan and Nevada. In both cases, the gains were driven by job growth, along with fewer foreclosures and bankruptcies.

Michigan benefited from manufacturing activity and hiring in health care in April. It outpaced the nation in its recovery during the January-March quarter. But so deep was Michigan's fall during the recession that a recovery is barely noticeable in some pockets of the state — places like Sanilac County, Mich.

That county's Stress score in April was a high 15.21, though down from 16.88 in March. Sanilac's wind-power industry is starting to take off, and wind mill construction jobs probably accounted for some job growth.

But not much.

"We're not seeing the housing market recover yet," said Kathy Dorman, the county treasurer. "There still are a lot of homes for sale, and the sales are very slow."

In Nevada, tourism has picked up in Las Vegas; 4,600 hotel and food service jobs were added in April. The state unemployment rate dropped to 12.5 percent in April, down from just under 15 percent in December.

Despite its year-to-year gains, Nevada endured the nation's worst scores in April in all three variables used in the AP Stress Map: The state had a foreclosure rate of just under 6 percent and a bankruptcy rate of 2.6 percent.

Over the past year, the Mountain states of Idaho and Montana have suffered the sharpest increases in stress . Both were late to enter the recession, which started in December 2007. They didn't really feel the effects of the downturn until mid-2008. Now, both are trailing the rest of the nation in recovering.

"We've hit the bottom," said Bob Fick, a spokesman for the Idaho Department of Labor. "But how long we're going to stay at the bottom is the real question. We're just flat — there is no growth out there."

The nation's most-stressed counties with populations of at least 25,000 were Imperial County, Calif. (stress score: 31.33); Yuma County, Ariz., (27.22); Lyon County, Nev. (25.93); Sutter County, Calif. (24.86); and Merced County, Calif. (24.23).

The least stressed were Ward County, N.D. (3.25); Ellis County, Kan. (3.55); Burleigh County, N.D. (3.55); Buffalo County, Neb. (3.94); and Arlington County, Va. (4.04).

Massachusetts biotech firm's multiple sclerosis drug makes gains in Europe

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Weston-based Biogen Idec Inc. said Tuesday that European Union regulators have approved an injectable pen version of Avonex, its popular multiple sclerosis drug.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Weston-based biotechnology firm, Biogen Idec Inc., said Tuesday that European Union regulators approved an injectable pen version of Avonex, its popular multiple sclerosis drug.

The Avonex Pen is approved for patients who have experienced the first symptoms of MS, or who have the relapsing form of the disease. The pens are single-use pens with a dose that lasts one week. Biogen Idec said it will start making the pens available in Europe over the next few weeks.

Avonex is the biotech company's biggest-selling drug. Worldwide sales of Avonex totaled $2.52 billion in 2010.

Springfield police investigating Old Hill stabbing incident

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Details remain sketchy regarding a stabbing incident in Springfield Monday night, when a bloodied man with multiple stab wounds reportedly burst into an Old Hill apartment to get away from his attacker.

spfld 911 cruiser.JPGDetails remain sketchy regarding a stabbing incident in Springfield Monday night, when a bloodied man with multiple stab wounds burst into an Old Hill apartment to get away from his attacker.

SPRINGFIELD -- Police are investigating an incident that occurred Monday night in the city's Old Hill neighborhood, where a man with multiple stab wounds burst into a home at 59 Tyler St. seeking refuge from a knife-wielding attacker.

Springfield police officials were unable to provide immediate details, including the time of the incident. But media reports indicate the wounded man claimed he was being chased, and ran into the home to get away from his alleged attacker.

The stabbing victim, who wasn't cooperating with police, apparently didn't know the occupants of the Tyler Street apartment.

More information will be posted on MassLive.com as it becomes available.

Tuesday tornado resource roundup: Springfield releases emergency information sheet, relief fund established for Monson and more

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Also today, a Worcester-based company will offer free ice cream to tornado victims at the MassMutual Center.

Below is a list of announcements regarding resources and tornado relief efforts we've received in the newsroom so far on Tuesday, June 7. We'll be updating the list as information comes in.

If you know of a resource that should be added to this list -- or to the map at the bottom of this post -- please post a comment or email online@repub.com.

The United Way is coordinating volunteer efforts. Call 2-1-1 for information.



EVENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS ON TUESDAY, JUNE 7

People's Center offers special distribution to tornado victims
On Tuesday June 7, the People's Center will be open only to those affected by the tornado. The center will be distributing ready to eat food and hygiene products out of 287 State Street (3rd Floor) from 9:00AM-5:00PM. The People's Center also provides free clothing to those in need. Regular hours are Monday through Friday,10:00AM-2:00PM.

Relief fund established for Monson
The Monson Arts Council reports that a relief fund for Monson has been established at Monson Savings Bank. Checks can be made out to: Make check out to Monson Savings Bank, Monson Tornado Relief, 146 Main St., Monson, MA 01057.

The Arts Council also notes: "Donations and volunteers can help at First Church, 5 Main St; Glendale Methodist Church, Main St; or St Patrick church. All clothing is being taking in at St Patrick's, The First Church and Glendale are providing hot/cold food and drinks. They both have non-perishable items for the tornado victims."

And, debris pick-up information from Kathleen Conley Norbut, Emergency Management Director:

The Board of Selectmen has contracted with Ash Britt Environmental to begin debris collection and removal from the storm beginning on Tuesday, June 7, 2011.


Regular trash pick-up resumes June 6, 2011.


Residents are asked to separate disaster debris and place vegetative debris only in piles at the curb in the public right-of-way, not on private property and NOT IN THE STREET.

Free ice cream for tornado victims
Worcester-based Capstone General Contracting is offering free ice cream for tornado victims today at 3:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. The event is being held in conjunction with the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter.

Springfield releases emergency information sheet

Springfield Emergency Sheet


ONGOING RESOURCES

Mass.gov launches tornado recovery resource page
Mass.gov's tornado recovery page includes information on storm assistance centers, rebuilding resources, consumer information, and how to help.

Salvation Army offers vouchers for clothing purchases
Today, the Salvation Army will be distributing vouchers that tornado victims may use to purchase clothing at Salvation Army retail stores, said Maj. Linda Perks. Victims may claim vouchers at 170 Pearl Street from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Perks said the Salvation Army is accepting clothing donations at 327 Liberty Street. Donations of food, toiletries and water may be made at 170 Pearl Street.

Open Pantry offers food and clothing
From the website of the United Way, a list of resources offered by Open Pantry Community Services [main phone: (413) 737-5354]:

  • Emergency Food Pantry: Our emergency food pantry is open Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday from 9:00AM-3:00PM. We are waiving the intake process for all tornado survivors. Special boxes will be prepared with ready to eat foods and toiletry items. We are located at 2460 Main Street, Springfield.

  • People's Center: The People's Center provides free clothing to those in need. We are open Monday through Friday 10:00AM-2:00PM. On Tuesday June 7, the People's Center will be open only to those affected by the tornado. In addition we will distributing ready to eat food and hygiene products out of 287 State Street (3rd Floor) from 9:00AM-5:00PM.

  • Loaves and Fishes Kitchen: We provide two meals a day at 12:00PM and 5:00PM. We are at Christ Church Cathedral Monday through Friday, South Congregational on Saturday and Sunday at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist.

Red Cross seeks translators
From the website of the Pioneer Valley Chapter: The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter currently has a need for specialized translators -- if you are trained in the following: Napalese, Arabic, Burmese, Russian or Spanish -- please report to the Pioneer Valley Chapter at 506 Cottage St., Springfield and ask for Paula W.

Donations to the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter may be sent to 506 Cottage St., Springfield, 01104. Phone (413) 737-4306. Donations also can be made online at www.redcrosspioneervalley.org.

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society offers temporary pet care
Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, located at 171 Union Street in Springfield, is offering temporary care for pets owned by residents displaced by the tornado. Dakin will house and provide care for pets for 5 days. Phone: (413) 781-4000.

Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center offers services for stray animals, search and rescue
Residents can contact the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center for "field services" (search and rescue) involving animals, or if they find stray cats and dogs. The center is located at 627 Cottage Street. Phone: (413) 781-1484.

Friendship Baptist Church in Brimfield offers relief for tornado victims
Brimfield's Friendship Baptist Church, located at 9 East Brimfield / Holland Road, is coordinating chainsaw crews to help residents clear downed trees and limbs from their property. To schedule a crew, call (860) 961-0513. Crews are currently operating between Sturbridge and Monson, Pastor Steve Nurger said Monday morning. Nurger said the church also has showers and laundry facilities available to stricken residents. And while the church is not an official meal site, Nurger said, "We always have food."

Clothing, household items available at Hitchock Academy in Brimfield
Sharon Palmer, assistant director of Brimfield's Hitchcock Academy reports this morning that the school's clothing drive was an overwhelming success. Items are now available for pick-up by residents affected by the tornado. The school is located at 2 Brookfield Road, and pick-up hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

"Even more amazing than the force of the storms is the generosity, concern, and good nature of so many people in the area who contributed their time and efforts to help others," Palmer said in a press release. The clothing / item drive is now closed to further donations. "We now have more than enough donations and literally cannot handle more," Palmer said.



The map below includes shelter locations, agencies accepting donations, storm assistance centers and other resources.

Map Key:

    • Red line:
    Street closed. [We're expecting an update from Springfield police at 9 a.m. Tuesday.]
  • Blue line: Road open, but police advise motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.
  • Green marker: Shelter location
  • Pink marker: Donations accepted
  • Pink marker with dot: Information resource + donations accepted.
  • Yellow marker: Food / donation distribution point.
  • Turquoise marker: Information and links to other resources.
  • Purple marker: State Storm Assistance Center.


  • View Western Massachusetts tornadoes: Resources, damage and road closures in a larger map

    Holyoke police investigating Cabot Street stabbing

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    City police responded to Holyoke Medical Center shortly before 2 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a patient with lacerations from a knife or other cutting instrument, according to Holyoke Police Lt. Michael Higgins.

    holyoke crime scene.JPGHolyoke police are investigating a stabbing incident on Cabot Street early Tuesday morning.

    HOLYOKE -- City police responded to Holyoke Medical Center shortly before 2 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a patient with lacerations from a knife or other cutting instrument, according to Holyoke police.

    Lt. Michael Higgins said the victim, whom police have not publicly identified, claims he was en route to a package store on Cabot Street when he was confronted by two men, one of whom apparently slashed him with a knife or sharp object.

    "His arms were slashed," Higgins said of the victim, who lives on Adams Street.

    The man told police the duo approached him from behind, and when he turned around, one of the men cut him. The man claimed he raised his arms to defend against the attack, Higgins said.

    The time frame for the alleged attack didn't add up, according to Higgins, adding that the package store was closed at the time of the assault.

    Ice cream truck robbed in Fall River

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    The truck's 66-year-old driver was stopped at an intersection when a man entered the truck and demanded money.

    FALL RIVER — Call it a cold case.

    Police in Fall River are looking for a masked man who robbed an ice cream truck last weekend.

    Police tell the Herald News the truck's 66-year-old driver was stopped at an intersection at about 9 p.m. on Sunday when a man entered the truck and demanded money.

    The victim told police he felt something like a knife being held to his side before the suspect grabbed money form the cash drawer and fled on foot.

    The victim sustained a minor injury to his right knee trying to stop the suspect.

    The thief is described as a 5 foot 10 inch tall, white man with a thin build, who wore a black, zip-up hooded sweatshirt and a black cloth covering the lower part of his face.


    Rare daytime NATO airstrikes hit Libyan capital

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    Reporters counted at least 27 strikes by mid-afternoon, and Libyan television said several structures in the Gadhafi compound were badly damaged.

    060711libya.jpgA cameraman films as smoke plume rise after a NATO airstrike in the sky over Tripoli, Libya, on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Low-flying NATO military craft pounded Tripoli on Tuesday, landing a series of 26 strikes that shook the Libyan capital in rare rare daytime raids designed to step up pressure on Moammar Gadhafi to leave power.

    TRIPOLI, Libya — Low-flying NATO military craft unleashed a ferocious series of nearly 30 daytime airstrikes on Tripoli, rattling the Libyan capital Tuesday and sending plumes of smoke billowing above leader Moammar Gadhafi's compound.

    Reporters counted at least 27 strikes by mid-afternoon, and Libyan television said several structures in the Gadhafi compound were badly damaged. Daylight NATO raids have been rare and signal an intensification of the alliance bid to drive Gadhafi from power.

    There were no immediate reports about casualties.

    NATO officials have warned for days that they were increasing the scope and intensity of their two-month campaign to oust Gadhafi after more than 40 years in power. The alliance is assisting a four-month old rebel insurgency that has seized swaths of eastern Libya and pockets in the regime's stronghold in the west.

    Ambulances, sirens blaring, could be heard racing through the city during the daylong raids that shook the ground and sent thundering sound waves across the capital. Some of the strikes were believed to have targeted a military barracks near Gadhafi's sprawling central Tripoli compound, said spokesman Moussa Ibrahim. Others hit the compound itself, Libyan television reported. Pro-Gadhafi loyalists in the capital fired weapons into the air but after the NATO strikes had ended.

    "Instead of talking to us, they are bombing us. They are going mad. They are losing their heads," said Ibrahim.

    The spokesman said the daylight strikes were particularly terrifying because families were separated during the day. Libyan school children are taking final exams at the end of the school year.

    "Tens of thousands of children are in Tripoli. You can imagine the shock and horror of the children. You can imagine the horror of parents who can't check on their children who are far away," Ibrahim said.

    The strikes began at around 11:30am local time and continued through the day. Some landed in clusters of two and three booming explosions.

    Ibarahim said the barracks likely hit Tuesday have been repeated targets of NATO. Libyan television later reported other strikes hit the sprawling compound itself. It gave few details. The compound hosts homes, guest houses, large grassy knolls and a camp ground where pro-Gadhafi loyalists sleep. The television said nearby homes were also damaged, along with some infrastructure.

    NATO strikes before dawn Monday targeted a building of the state-run Libyan television station, he said, reporting that 16 people were injured. The building was only partially destroyed and Libyan television is still broadcasting.

    As NATO intensifies air attacks on Tripoli, there appears to be renewed diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful end to the civil war.

    A U.N. envoy was expected in the country Tuesday. Ibrahim would not say who envoy Abdul-Elah al-Khatib would meet, or how long he would stay.

    So far diplomacy has failed, given that rebels are demanding Gadhafi leave power. The dictator steadfastly refuses to cede power.

    Also Tuesday, Tripoli dispatched Foreign Minister Abdul-Ati al-Obeidi to Beijing for a three days of talks, an apparent effort to restore some of Libyan government influence and defuse a setback delivered by China last week. Chinese officials announced on Friday that they had reached out to the rebel forces challenging Gadhafi, a significant effort to boost Chinese engagement in the Libya conflict and possibly jostle for a mediator role.

    Beijing had stayed on the sidelines for the first few months since the revolt against Gadhafi's government erupted in mid-February, pointedly avoiding joining international calls for Gadhafi to step down and saying that is for the Libyan people to decide. China also abstained in the U.N. Security Council vote authorizing the use of force against Libyan government loyalists and has repeatedly criticized the NATO bombing campaign in support of the rebels.

    But last week, Beijing said the head of Libya's rebel council met with China's ambassador to Qatar in Doha, in what was the first known contact between the two sides. China's decision to engage the rebels was a diplomatic setback for Gadhafi.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters at a regular briefing Tuesday that talks with al-Obeidi would focus on the need for a political solution to the Libyan crisis.

    He also reiterated China's appeals for an immediate cease-fire and called on all parties to "fully consider the mediation proposals put forward by the international community so as to defuse the tensions as soon as possible."

    In Benghazi on Tuesday, a Russian delegation met with the rebel's National Transitional Council which controls the city and Eastern Libya.

    Special representative for Africa Mikhail Margelov said that Gadhafi had lost his legitimacy but that NATO airstrikes were not a solution to the stalemate in Libya.

    "As long as bloodshed continues the more difficult it will be to build a national reconciliation process after the civil war," Margelov told reporters Tuesday.

    Margevlov left Benghazi for Cairo, the Interfax news agency reported, addint that the rebels said they supported Russia's mediation with Tripoli. The envoy did not, however, have plans to go to Tripoli.

    Russia, along with China, abstained in the U.N. Security Council vote authorizing the use of force against Libyan government loyalists and has repeatedly criticized the NATO bombing campaign in support of the rebels.

    The revolt against Gadhafi followed popular uprisings that overturned the longtime rulers of Tunisia and Egypt. A coalition of rebels seized control of much of eastern Libya and set up an administration based in the eastern city of Benghazi. As the conflict escalated, it grew beyond an insurrection by a small group and has now evolved into a civil war. The rebels, led by the National Transitional Council, are well in control of nearly a third of the inhabitable part of Libya the country.

    Tornadoes spawn $90 million in insurance claims for more than 5,000 homes

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    That figure, which does not include commercial or automobile claims, is expected to grow.

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    SPRINGFIELD – The tornadoes caused some $90 million dollars in insurance claims to more than 5,000 homes, according to the state Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.

    That figure is expected to grow as more claims come in. It is the largest figure for any single natural disaster in state history. That $90 million does not include commercial or automobile claims.

    Barbara T. Anthony, undersecretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, announced the finding at a City Hall news conference Tuesday morning. She warned property owners to be wary of fly-by-night contractors and encouraged anyone with an insurance question to call a state hotline at (617) 521-7777

    State officials arrived at the figure by surveying insurance carriers.

    Men chase Springfield man into Old Hill home, where he's stabbed 11 times in front of shocked residents

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    Police said Aubrey White was chased by several assailants through the streets of the Old Hill neighborhood Monday night. The men followed White inside an apartment at 59 Tyler St., then stabbed him multiple times, police said.

    spfld 911 cruiser.JPGDetails remain sketchy about a stabbing incident in Springfield Monday night, when a bloodied man with multiple stab wounds burst into an Old Hill apartment to get away from his attackers.

    This story updates an earlier story published Tuesday at 7:36 a.m.

    SPRINGFIELD -- Police said a man who was chased by several assailants through the streets of Old Hill on Monday night burst into a home at 59 Tyler St., where was stabbed nearly a dozen times in front of shocked residents.

    Springfield Police Detective Capt. Peter J. Dillon said the incident was reported at 9:36 p.m. Monday, but detectives had yet to make any arrests Tuesday morning due to the stabbing victim's reluctance to divulge details -- including physical descriptions of his attackers.

    "He said he has no idea who attacked him," Dillon said.

    Five men, at least one of whom had a knife, chased the man into the Tyler Street home, where he was stabbed 11 times, Dillon said.

    Dillon identified the stabbing victim as Aubrey White, whose age and address were not immediately available.

    "I'd say somebody was angry at him," Dillon said of White, who is known to city police.

    Dillon said detectives were interviewing residents of the Tyler Street apartment to glean any useful information, including anything they may have heard or witnessed that could help identify the assailants.

    The captain said he was unsure how many people were home when White burst through their second-floor door, but none of the residents were injured.

    The same cannot be said of White, however, who sustained stab wounds to the back, neck, shoulder and stomach, Dillon said.

    He was taken to Baystate Medical Center for treatment. His condition was not immediately known.


    THE MAP BELOW shows the approximate location of the Tyler Street home where a city man was stabbed multiple times Monday night:


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    Pending sale of Westfield State University's former training school on Washington Street announced

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    The Westfield State Foundation announced that it has signed a purchase and sales agreement with University Housing LLC, under the management of Opal Real Estate Group.

    Westfield training school 2008.jpgThe former Westfield State Normal Training School on Washington Street is seen in 2008.

    WESTFIELD – A Springfield real estate group plans to convert the former Westfield State University training school building on Washington Street into market-rate housing.

    Westfield State Foundation, the financial arm of the college, has announced a pending purchase and sales agreement with University Housing LLC, under the management of Opal Real Estate Group. Opal was founded by Peter A. Picknelly, president of Peter Pan Bus Lines and Opal managing partner Demetrios N. Panteleakis.

    The formal transfer of the property at 27 Washington St. is scheduled for this fall. No purchase price was released Monday with officials saying that remains under negotiation.

    The Foundation last year planned to sell the building and property to Boston Realty Associates which planned to create an Academic Village. The plan would have created housing for 90 students at an estimated renovation cost of $8 million. Juan M. Cofield, BRA president, announced last July that he was unable to secure funding for the project.

    Foundation acting director John M. Wesolowski and Panteleakis could not be reached for comment.

    But, in a prepared statement, Panteleakis said Opal’s goal is to “preserve a historic landmark for the community, while providing a modern resource for the university in support of Westfield’s downtown economic development.”

    Completion of the project will bring additional off-campus housing to WSU students as an alternative listed by the campus housing department, officials said. The redevelopment of the building could add as many as 100 beds in apartment-style housing.

    The college already uses nearby Landsdowne Place on Thomas Street for housing for 216 of its students under a 10-year $1 million per year lease.

    Completion will also add to the city’s downtown housing stock and is in line with a city and college effort to revitalize the downtown corridor.

    Recently DOMUS Inc. completed a $6 million renovation project involving three downtown buildings which include ground level commercial and 19 affordable apartment units.

    DOMUS director Ann D. Lentini reported Monday all but two of the apartments have been rented to working families.

    WSU President Evan S. Dobelle announced two years ago the partnership with the city and that the college’s goal is to expand it residential presence, as well as academic and cultural efforts, in Westfield center.

    The college has a continuing shortage of housing for students and has turned away about 500 students each of the past three years. A college master plan calls for construction of a $49 million new student housing building on campus next year.

    The announcement was hailed as “wonderful news for Westfield,” by Mayor Daniel M. Knapik. “This is expected to bring a more robust college presence to the downtown and will eliminate a property tax issue for that building.” The sale, Knapik said, will put 27 Washington St. back on the active property tax role.

    Currently the Foundation owes the city about $244,000 in back taxes.

    WSU’s downtown effort included the location of a Barnes and Noble bookstore. That prospect remains on the drawing board, Kenneth M. Lemanski, WSU vice president for advancement said Monday.

    The brick structure, formerly the college’s Normal School, was re-acquired by Westfield State in 2006 and has remained vacant since 2002 when the latest tenant Westfield District Court moved to new quarters on Elm Street.

    Built in the late 1800s, the Foundation’s vision is to create additional downtown student housing.

    The city has assessed the building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings, at $355,400. The Foundation re-acquired the building, used for several years as Westfield District Court, in 2006 for $325,000, according to city records.

    7 Greenfield residents appeal big box store approval

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    Planning Board Chairwoman Roxann Wedegartner said she was not surprised to hear a suit had been filed.

    GREENFIELD – Seven people who own property next to the site of a planned large department store in Greenfield have filed an appeal to stop the project.

    The abutters filed their appeal in Massachusetts Housing Court, naming the five members of the planning board as well as the developer as defendants.

    The planning board by a 4-1 vote cleared the way for the store last month after several months of review.

    The Recorder of Greenfield reported that the abutters claim in their appeal the board’s decision to issue a permit for the project was “arbitrary, capricious and issued in violation” of town rules and regulations.

    They allege the project will have an adverse impact on their properties and neighborhood.

    Board Chairwoman Roxann Wedegartner said she had not seen the complaint but was not surprised.

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